Today is World Vegetarian Day, established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and observed annually on October 1 "to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism,". It brings awareness to the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Happy Vegetarian Day!

Vegetarians are about 12% less likely to die from certain diseases than meat-eaters, researchers find. Check out this infographic to find out why the vegetarian diet is tied to lower death rates. Does this surprise you?